Ask the Locals

Argyll and Bute covers the second-largest administrative area of any Scottish council. The council area adjoins those of Highland, Perth and Kinross, Stirling and West Dunbartonshire. The administrative centre for the council area is in Lochgilphead at Kilmory Castle, a 19th-century Gothic Revival building and estate.

Scotland’s Adventure Coast. Explore Scottish places that are remote, secluded, unspoiled and wild. If you are a lover of space for calm and solitude or to have an exhilarating adventure, it’s all here for you on the west coast of Scotland, in abundance. Argyll and the Isles is a glorious coastal region of glittering sea lochs, islands, hills, forests and glens just waiting to be explored. Destinations that are distinct in character and offer a unique experience. From surfing to kayaking, quad-biking to mountain biking, get off the beaten track and find your own adventure.

Go island hopping, walk in the wilderness, breathe pure air, watch magnificent sunsets and see starry skies that will take your breath away. You’ll also discover incredible wildlife, a rich Highland history and fabulous local food. Dine on the freshest seafood and savour some of the world’s most famous Scotch whiskies.

Bordering Loch Lomond and the Trossachs to the East and stretches of islands out across the west coast, Argyll and Bute is one of Scotland’s most naturally diverse locations. Whether it’s the charming seaside haunt of Oban or the highlights of the Hebrides like Jura, Islay and Mull, there truly is something here for everyone who visits. Here, the beauty of nature is the foundation on which everything is built, from sandy beaches to dense forests to stretches of coastal wilderness that evokes plenty of drama. There’s plenty to see and do here. Soak in its expansive history at one of its many castles, see where 48 ancient Scottish kings were buried at Iona Abbey, or test your walking ability on the West Highland Way, which passes directly through Argyll & Bute.

Most people make the same fundamental mistake starting out on the net. They get things all mixed up. Back to front, upside down, inside out.

It has to do how one relates. How one uses the available tools.

The internet is a communication tool. Nothing more. A resource that connects a single user to a service provider. Traffic, hits, views. Statistics that become more and more opaque the more detailed and complicated they become.

This is the first mistake people make.

It is irrelevant how much traffic you get. What you want is quality, targeted traffic. In other words users who are searching for whatever you provide. Everything else is noise. A distraction. Superfluous.

Small is sensible. You want to minimise the time you don’t have to waste.

 

 

Located on the north-east coast of Scotland, Aberdeenshire stretches from the Banffshire coast in the north all the way around to St Cyrus National Nature Reserve in the east, featuring beautiful coastlines, pretty seaside towns, rugged cliffs and sandy bays. It also has some incredible mountains and farmland as it runs towards the Cairngorms National Park.

Aberdeenshire is still mostly untouched by tourism. With a gorgeous coastline, the Royal Deeside, and Cairngorms National Park it is the fourth largest region in Scotland.  There are 165 miles of coastline – from Stonehaven in the south to Cullen in the north, the Aberdeenshire coast has cute harbour villages, waves crashing over towering sea cliffs, and huge swathes of beautiful beaches. It also has more castles per acre than the rest of the UK – from the majestic Dunnottar, to the bright pink Craigievar Castle as well as Balmoral, the home of the Royal Family in Scotland.

 

The North East 250 is a four day two hundred and fifty mile road trip through the Cairngorms National Park to Royal Deeside, through the city, and up Scotland’s east coast to the Moray Firth and Speyside. Alternatively there is the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail. A  one hundred and twenty mile drive covering the entire coast from St Cyrus to Portsoy. Visiting Dunnottar Castle, fish and chips in Stonehaven and stops in the tiny coastal villages hugging the Banffshire coast.

 

Finally there are the ninety mile ‘snow roads’ that take you through the heart of the Cairngorms from Blairgowrie to Grantown on Spey, via Braemar and the edge of Aberdeenshire. The Cairngorms National Park has some of Scotland’s highest mountains and best walking in Scotland.

 

Portsmouth – http://www.portsmouthlocal.info

South Lanarkshire is one of 32 unitary authorities of Scotland. It borders the south-east of the Glasgow City council area and contains some of Greater Glasgow’s suburban towns, as well as many rural towns and villages. It also shares borders with Dumfries and Galloway, East Ayrshire, East Renfrewshire, North Lanarkshire, the Scottish Borders and West Lothian. It includes most of the historic county of Lanarkshire.

Located in the heart of southern Scotland, Lanarkshire is an area waiting to be discovered.  This vast and diverse region is on the doorstep of Scotland’s largest cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, making it one of the most accessible and perfectly placed points within the country.  Lanarkshire’s spectacular landscape is bursting at the seams with country parks and magnificent gardens offering incredible views for miles. Home to many hidden gems, including two UNESCO world heritage sites and a thriving cultural scene, there is plenty of attractions to visit and sites to immerse yourself in.

Lanarkshire boasts an enviable location nestled between two of Scotland’s largest cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Visitors can explore the area packed with visitor attractions with comfort and ease using the road, train or bus. Both Glasgow and Edinburgh international airports can be accessed by car within less than an hour.

South Lanarkshire has many places to visit if you are interested in wildlife, outdoor activities, local history (cultural and built), and designed landscapes. Some are in rural areas and some in urban settings.

In the north, next to Glasgow, you have Cathkin Braes (Local Nature Reserve and competition mountain bike track) with spectacular views over Glasgow and beyond. There is also the Cuningar Loop in Rutherglen which is a community greenspace catering for outdoor activities.

 

To the east by Eaglesham and Strathaven is Whitelee Wind Farm with a large path network for walking, cycling and horse riding. It has plenty of wildlife interest too and has its own Ranger Service running events on site. Have a look at their Facebook page to see what they have been up to.